Middle East Electricity beats visitor record

Audited registration figures show that at the end of the third day, over 11,400 people had attended the show. The number of exhibitors was also a record, up 10 per cent on the last show.

"There has been a large visitor turnout from outside the UAE, particularly neighbouring GCC states, confirming how important the show is to the rapidly expanding Middle East power sector," said Sarah Woodbridge, Exhibitions Director, Power and Energy Division, IIR Exhibitions, organisers of Middle East Electricity.

And Woodbridge said interest in next year's show is already running high with 60 per cent of exhibitors rebooking for 2003, the first annual showing of Middle East Electricity.

"Many are looking at taking more space. The enthusiasm shown by exhibitors has justified our decision to make the show an annual event," said Woodbridge.

Over 600 exhibitors from 37 countries took part in Middle East Electricity 2002 that spanned four halls at the DWTC. The show featured 11 national pavilions and included first time participation from Malaysia.

The world's leading power industry names were among those taking part. The German pavilion, with 39 exhibitors, was the largest, while the French pavilion marked the official return of the country to the event after an absence of six years. Among regional participants 87 were from the UAE.

"The response has been very positive. Most of the exhibitors have made good contacts and have been impressed by the quality of visitors who have been very specific with their questions," said Klaus Greefe, German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association.

The multi-million US dollar business generation forum saw companies report significant interest in their products, with confirmed orders probable in the weeks ahead.

"We have had inquiries worth several million US dollars from the UAE and other Middle East countries. We have a high expectation of converting them into firm contracts," said Nikki Stevens, Marketing Analyst, Cummins Power Generation.

Tyco Electronics Energy Division, exhibiting at the show for the first time under its own name, also anticipates concluding a number of deals as a result of participating at Middle East Electricity.

"We have always regarded this show as the only credible power industry exhibition in the region. This year we made a big investment in our own stand and it has paid off with positive interest from potential new customers," said Ronnie Fotheringham, Regional Sales Manager, Gulf/CE/Africa/India, Tyco Energy Division.

One company that did announce a major order at the show was Alstom Power that won a $5 million contract for gas turbine-driven generating systems from Occidental of Oman Inc. The generators are to be built in the UK for delivery before the end of next month.

And first time exhibitor, the UK's Kingsmill Industries concluded a deal with a Lebanese customer for lightning protection and earthing equipment. "We have signed an order in excess of US $60,000, which for us, is quite significant. I am sure we will be back next year," said Steve Hall, Managing Director, Kingsmill.

Alternative energy exhibitors Vestas - Danish Wind Technology A/S praised the professionalism of the show and confirmed it would also be returning to Middle East Electricity next year. "I have been very impressed by the quality of the exhibition and the people I met. If we are to expand into the Middle East we must be at this show," said Dan Lund, Area Sales Manager, Vestas.

The regional influence of the show won praise from exhibitors. "We have made many good contacts with people from all over the Middle East, including Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. This underlines the importance of the exhibition and also that recent events have not impacted on investment," said Hassane Darwish, Regional Manager, Middle East, Siemens.

An innovation at Middle East Electricity 2002 was the introduction of a dedicated arena for new and renewable energy and technology. Introduced specifically to cater for increased regional interest in alternative energy, the arena will be expanded in 2003.

"With no let up in demand for energy, power generators are looking at alternative ways to meet the needs of business and consumers, a fact reflected in the decision to establish an alternative energy centre in the UAE. As the leading industry show in the region Middle East Electricity 2003 will be a showcase for all the latest sustainable energy technology," said Woodbridge.

Next year's event, which will take place from January 19 to 21 at the DWTC, will include an expanded conference programme with IIR Conferences staging its prestigious annual PowerGen summit alongside Middle East Electricity 2003.